3 Reasons Why Your Network Contact is Not Calling You Back!
You're speaking with another executive in your network or
recruiter whom has promised to circulate your resume throughout his
network. He even goes as far as to say he knows of a vacant position
that you would be perfect for...He promises to touch base with his
contacts and be back with you in short order! Two weeks have since
passed, and your ol friend has vanished! You've left a few messages, but
at this point you might be wondering if he's still breathing. Just a
week ago he was fervently excited to help, and now; MIA! How could this
be?????
Here's What Went Wrong
Mistake Number 1. No Quid Pro Qou!
You did not take the time to understand what his needs are...Did
you ask him how things are going in his career? Has he thought about
something bigger and better for himself? Did you suggest a few people
that you might refer him to? If you are part of The
Browning Associates network, you could have said, "I know of a huge
network in your industry and I'm glad to connect you with some excellent
high level contacts...Either way, if you spoke for 10 minutes, 8 of
those minutes should have been about your network contacts and what you
can do to help him...Every 200k executive on the planet is always
looking for something bigger; make it about them; no excuses, no
exceptions! You will use your remaining 2 minutes to ask that they do
the same for you...Consequently, the (Quid pro qou) has been birthed in
to action!
Mistake Number 2. No Accountability No Call to Action!
Before
you finish your conversation, there are two things that must happen. 1.
Make it very clear what you are going to do for your networking contact
and 2. Schedule a time for follow up. As far as they can see, you are
scheduling a follow up call so as to be sure you are able to come back
to them with the promised referrals etc... Remember; never give them all
you've got until they come forth with their promise as well...Always keep them wanting more!
Mistake Number 3. You appear Needy or as if you're selling something!
Remember
who you are! You are a solution provider! If people do not see value in
connecting with you or clearly are not respecting your time, move on!
Of course we always remain professionally aggressive, but we never come
across as if we are needy or selling... When I speak with
somebody in our network on your behalf, I say it like this: "My guy/gal
is a busy senior executive...Upon my review of your resume and
background, it would be in your best interest to get to know this
lady/gent asap...H/she will land a new role soon, at which point the
window of opportunity to get to Him/er will slam shut! Your call...Let
me know... Just like that; no more no less...You should promote yourself exactly the same way...People want what they cant have...
"We look forward to assisting you with reaching all of your career goals! "
